25 Cutest Cat Breeds, Ranked

With everything from unique markings and coats to charming personalities, these are the 25 cutest cats we simply can't resist.

Most people find it hard to resist petting a gorgeous kitten, and if they’re lucky enough to find one that enjoys cuddling, then they are truly fortunate. Cats tend to be particular about who earns their affection, but they become a loving, loyal companion for life once they choose you.

While all felines are alluring, regal creatures, some are considered more fetching than others. With everything from unique markings and coats to charming personalities, these are the 25 cutest cat breeds we simply can’t resist.

25. Egyptian Mau

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Temperament: Fast, Sensitive, Loyal

Weight: 10-14 pounds (male), 6-10 pounds (female)

Longevity: 12-15 years

What Makes the Egyptian Mau So Cute

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One of the fastest domesticated cats, the Egyptian Mau has a striking, spotted coat in silver, bronze or smoke. They have a delightful disposition but tend to be on the shy side until they get to know their human.

Also known for their extraordinary sense of smell, hearing and sight, these felines are understandably sensitive to loud noises. However, if you are looking for a gentle lap cat, this breed is for you.

24. American Curl

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Temperament: Affectionate, Inquisitive, Social

Weight: 7-10 pounds (male), 5-8 pounds (female)

Longevity: 10-20 years

What Makes the American Curl So Cute

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American Curls are adorable kitties born with straight ears that curl back as they get older. With an incredibly loving disposition, this breed thrives on human interaction and will follow you everywhere you go.

They make excellent housepets and maintain their kitten-like playfulness well into adulthood.

23. Norwegian Forest Cat

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Temperament: Friendly, Independent, Intelligent

Weight: 12-18 pounds (male), 8-12 pounds (female)

Longevity: 13-16 years

What Makes the Norwegian Forest Cat So Cute

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Originally from Scandinavia, the Norwegian Forest Cat was a favorite feline on Viking ships for its ability to keep down the rodent population. The “Wedgie” is a large breed often mistaken for a Maine Coon. Their gorgeous, dense coat comes in multiple colors and requires weekly grooming, especially in the spring month when it is prone to shedding.

Although they are not considered lap cats, the Norwegian Forest Cat has a calm temperament, making them good pets for families with children and other pets.

22. Ocicat

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Temperament: Alert, Playful, Athletic

Weight: 10-12 pounds (male), 8-10 pounds (female)

Longevity: 15-18 years

What Makes the Ocicat So Cute

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The Ocicat is an exotic cat that resembles a miniature ocelot with its gorgeous, spotted coat. A cross between a Siamese, an Abyssinian and an American Shorthair, these felines exhibit dog-like behavior with their playfulness and athleticism.

They’re prone to separation anxiety, though, and need lots of time with their owner.

21. Turkish Angora

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Temperament: Clown-like, Extroverted, Loyal

Weight: 7-10 pounds (male), 5-8 pounds (female)

Longevity: 12-18+ years

What Makes the Turkish Angora So Cute

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Usually a white cat with brilliant blue eyes, it’s not unusual to find Turkish Angoras with coats in other colors. What makes this kitty so adorable is its sense of humor and penchant for play.

These felines are mischievous and smart enough to get into things such as cabinets or drawers. Still, their extroverted personalities are a plus for families looking for fun-loving pets.

20. Thai Cat

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Temperament: Talkative, Affectionate, Easy-going

Weight: 9-12 pounds (male), 7-9 pounds (female)

Longevity: 12-16+ years

What Makes the Thai Cat So Cute

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The elegant Thai Cat looks similar to a Siamese with its piercing blue eyes, pale body and dark points at the ears, paws and tail. They are jumpers and known for getting into things they shouldn’t, but they love to play and are pretty vocal when they want attention.

These kitties form strong bonds with their owners and do not like being left alone for long periods at a time. Their calm nature makes them an ideal family pet, especially for those who have older children.

19. Siberian

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Temperament: Lively, Strong, Affectionate

Weight: 8-17 pounds (male and female)

Longevity: 11-18+ years

What Makes the Siberian So Cute

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Originally from a Russian province encompassing most of Northern Asia, the Siberian has been around for more than 1,000 years and is considered a national treasure in Russia. They are beautiful, medium- to large-sized cats that come in various colors and rich patterns, but their thick, triple coat needs to be brushed several times a week to prevent matting.

Siberians love attention but are by no means a needy breed. Instead, these kitties are fearless adventurers who maintain their activeness and playful nature throughout adulthood.

18. Ragamuffin

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Temperament: Friendly, Strong, Calm

Weight:12-20 pounds (male), 8-15 pounds (female)

Longevity: 15 years

What Makes the Ragamuffin So Cute

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An offshoot from the Ragdoll breed, the Ragamuffin is a reasonably uncommon kitty that is large, heavy-boned and even-tempered. Their open-pansy face and lush fur (which is as soft as rabbits) rank them among the most beautiful cat species in the world.

They are loving and tolerant of young children who want to play and dress them up for tea parties. The Ragamuffin enjoys attention and tends to get more tranquil with age, making it a perfect family companion.

17. Burmese

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Temperament: Curious, Energetic, People-friendly

Weight: 8-12 pounds (male), 6-10 pounds (female)

Longevity: 10-16 years

What Makes the Burmese So Cute

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Burmese are beautiful cats with a satin-like fur coat that comes in tortoiseshell or a variety of solid colors. They are sweet-natured lap cats that love being with the family, but they will quickly dominate the house.

These irresistible felines enjoy learning new tricks and playing with people of all ages.

16. Bombay

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Temperament: Active, Intelligent, Curious

Weight: 8-11 pounds (male), 6-9 pounds (female)

Longevity: 12-16 years

What Makes the Bombay So Cute

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This gorgeous cat looks just like a sleek panther (except for its unusual, white paw pads). Bombays were first developed in the 1950s as a cross between a Sable Burmese and an American Shorthair. They get along famously with other cats, as long as they remain the dominant kitty.

Bombays love to soak up the sunlight and will always seek out the warmest spots in the house to relax. They adapt well, though, to any environment and prefer to be around family. These felines are super playful and energetic but become a bit more placid with age.

15. Abyssinian

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Temperament: Agile, Animated, Inquisitive

Weight: 7-10 pounds (male), 6-9 pounds (female)

Longevity: 14-17 years

What Makes the Abyssinian So Cute

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Abyssinians are eye-catching, elegant cats that resemble mountain lions or miniature cougars. Voted one of the top 10 most popular breeds, “Abys” are originally from Ethiopia and are considered one of the oldest domesticated cats.

They are highly inquisitive felines and very sociable but not too keen on sharing their owner’s attention.

14. Exotic Shorthair

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Temperament: Quiet, Easy-going, Gentle

Weight: 7-14 pounds (male), 6-10 pounds (female)

Longevity: 12-14 years

What Makes the Exotic Shorthair So Cute

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Also considered one of the oldest, most recognizable cat breeds, the Exotic Shorthair cat has similar features to that of the Persian with the flat face and adorable teddy bear eyes. Although it is part of the Persian Breed Group that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, it differs in that it has a short, coarse coat.

These kitties are easily entertained with toys and paper balls, but they also enjoy quiet time on their owner’s lap. They’re extremely easy-going, low-maintenance cats, which makes them excellent companions for seniors or singles.

13. Munchkin

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Temperament:Smart, Affectionate, Curious

Weight: 7-10 pounds (male), 5-7 pounds (female)

Longevity: 15-18+ years

What Makes the Munchkin So Cute

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The Munchkin is an adorable, medium-sized cat with short legs and a full body, basically the feline version of the Dachshund. These are the same kitties you often see in the funny, social media memes of cats standing on their hind legs to get a better look at something.

They are sociable creatures that love to run and play and are exceptionally good with children and other pets. The Munchkin doesn’t mind being walked on a leash and will enjoy all the petting and snuggling you can offer.

12. American Bobtail

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Temperament: Highly Intelligent, Athletic, Easy-going

Weight: 12-16 pounds (male), 7-11 pounds (female)

Longevity: 11-15+ years

What Makes the American Bobtail So Cute

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The sweet-tempered American Bobtail is a beautiful kitty with a natural, bobbed tail, giving it the appearance of a wildcat. But it’s their clown-like personalities that make them so desirable to cat lovers. The breed is super intelligent and easily leash-trained but is only moderately active.

Bobtails also mature slowly, sometimes up to three years, before reaching full size. They are among the most cuddly of felines, and although they are non-demanding when it comes to attention, they’re known for being great therapy cats.

11. Himalayan

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Temperament: Docile, Gentle, Reserved

Weight: 9-14 pounds (male), 7-11 pounds (female)

Longevity: 8-11 years

What Makes the Himalayan So Cute

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One of the oldest cat breeds around, the Himalayans are stunning cats with the fur of a Persian and the color points of a Siamese. Considered part of the Persian Breed Group, they have many of the same features, such as flat faces, large blue eyes and fat cheeks.

“Himmies” are very placid kitties and a bit reserved around strangers. They prefer a quiet, calm environment and gentle treatment, which makes them a good choice for seniors.

10. British Shorthair

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Temperament: Calm, Loyal, Dignified

Weight: 10-16 pounds (male), 8-11 pounds (female)

Longevity: 12-20 years

What Makes the British Shorthair So Cute

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The British Shorthair is irresistibly cute with its chubby chipmunk cheeks and a happy smile. Best portrayed by the infamous Cheshire Cat in Alice and Wonderland and the animated Puss and Boots, this feline is one of the oldest breeds around with ancestry dating back to the domestic cats of the Romans. They have plush fur in copper-colored hues and teddy bear eyes that melt their owners.

Ranked third among the U.S’s most popular felines, British shorthairs are affectionate but undemanding cats that prefer to sit beside their human rather than be held. They’re an ideal pet for people who work long hours as this cat has no problem keeping itself entertained.

9. Toyger

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Temperament: Graceful, Elegant, Sociable

Weight: 10-15 pounds (male), 7-10 pounds (female)

Longevity: 12-15 years

What Makes the Toyger So Cute

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The beautiful Toyger resembles a graceful, miniature tiger and has a friendly disposition that cat lovers find highly attractive. A cross between a Bengal and a DSH cat, the Toyger is a newer feline developed in the 1980s.

They are clever, active kitties who love being with humans and other pets, making them a good fit for most households.

8. Russian Blue

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Temperament: Graceful, Aristocratic, Shy

Weight: 8-15 pounds (male and female)

Longevity: 10-20+ years

What Makes the Russian Blue So Cute

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The Russian Blue is a frequent winner in the show ring due to its shimmery silver coat, slender body and striking emerald eyes. The regal feline has been linked to royal families in Russia and England and is notorious for its sophistication and intelligence.

Russian Blues are talkative kitties who love to play with people of all ages and are especially good at retrieving toys or paper balls. They are also quite self-sufficient and can keep themselves entertained if their owner is gone for hours at a time.

7. Bengal

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Temperament: Highly Active, Devoted, Curious

Weight: 9-15 pounds (male), 6-12 pounds (female)

Longevity: 12-20 years

What Makes the Bengal So Cute

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These stunning felines have leopard, jaguar and ocelot markings but in miniature versions, making them eye-catching cats. Bengals are busy kitties prone to climbing and engaging in undesirable behavior if they feel they’re not getting enough attention, but their alluring charm is hard to resist.

They have a loving, inquisitive nature and will follow you around the house, as they don’t like to be left alone for long periods at a time.

6. Scottish Fold

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Temperament: Clever, Intelligent, People-Oriented

Weight: 9-13 pounds (male), 6-9 pounds (female)

Longevity: 11-15 years

What Makes the Scottish Fold So Cute

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Considered one of the cutest cats around, these felines have fitted ears close to the head that gives them the appearance of an owl. Originally from Britain, the Scottish Fold is quite entertaining for its ability to sit up like a prairie dog or relax on the couch with its hind legs sprawled out — similar to a human binge-watching Netflix.

They are relaxed, attention-seeking fur babies that make great pets for first-time cat owners.

5. Maine Coon

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Temperament: Clown-like, Calm, Friendly

Weight: 18-22 pounds (male), 12-15 pounds (female)

Longevity: 10-13 years

What Makes the Maine Coon So Cute

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Native to Maine and one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, the Maine Coon looks like a cross between a tabby and a raccoon. In 1985, they were declared the official state cat of Maine.

Their long, bushy tails and glossy coats come in a variety of pleasing colors. Despite their beautiful fur, most people are drawn to this feline’s size and goofy personality. They love attention and get along well with other pets.

4. Siamese

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Temperament: Talkative, Lively, Elegant

Weight: 8-12 pounds (male), 5-8 pounds (female)

Longevity: 11-15 years (but some have lived 20+ years)

What Makes the Siamese So Cute

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One of the most widely recognized cat breeds, the Siamese is a striking feline with a sleek, cream-colored coat with deeper colors around the ears, mask, legs and tail. Their almond-shaped eyes are bright blue and very alert.

Siamese are vocal kitties who love attention and lots of playtime with their owner. If you prefer an active cat that will interact with you daily, this is the perfect breed for you!

3. Birman

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Temperament: Independent, Affectionate, Active

Weight: 12 pounds (male and female)

Longevity: 9-15+ years

What Makes the Birman So Cute

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The Birman cat was raised to be a companion to priests in Burma. Once considered a sacred animal, these cats have beautiful color-pointed coats and exceptionally bright, sapphire eyes.

Although they don’t demand attention, they do love to be held, earning them the “velcro cat” nickname. Friendly with strangers, kids of all ages and household pets, the Birman has all the makings of a great family companion.

2. Persian

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Temperament: Placid, Dignified, Intelligent

Weight: 9-14 pounds (male), 7-11 pounds (female)

Longevity: 8-11 years

What Makes the Persian So Cute

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Persians are another of the oldest cat breeds in the world, dating back to 1684 B.C. This glamorous kitty has a snub nose, expressive copper eyes, a thick-plume tail and a luxuriant coat that comes in multiple shades.

They are strictly indoor cats that need to be groomed routinely to keep their fur from becoming matted. Although they tend to be aloof, they enjoy attention when they get it and blend effortlessly into any household.

1. Ragdoll

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Temperament: Docile, Loving, Playful

Weight: 15-20 pounds (male), 10-15 pounds (female)

Longevity: 12-17 years

What Makes the Ragdoll So Cute

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The Ragdoll was created in California in the 1960s and, by 2019, was ranked as one of the most affectionate cats in the feline world. The breed is referred to as a ragdoll due to its ability to go completely limp when picked up.

These gorgeous kitties are born white and then change color as they get older. The Ragdoll gets along with everyone, everywhere and has the intelligence and friendliness of a dog, making them the ultimate family pet.